Who We Serve
When Circumstances Don't Allow for Travel
Health events often arrive without warning — and they rarely respect paperwork timelines. A parent admitted to hospital may not yet have a power of attorney in place. A spouse entering hospice may need to execute a healthcare directive. A patient recovering from surgery may need to authorize a loan modification before leaving the facility.
We travel directly to the facility, coordinate with nursing staff, and conduct the signing at the patient's bedside with patience, discretion, and care.
Facilities We Visit
- Hospitals (all floors and units)
- Nursing homes and skilled nursing
- Assisted living communities
- Rehabilitation and recovery centers
- Memory care facilities
- Hospice and palliative care
Documents Commonly Needed
- Durable power of attorney
- Healthcare power of attorney
- Advance directive / living will
- Last will and testament
- Financial authorizations
- Consent and release forms
Urgent Situations Receive Priority
If your situation is time-sensitive, please say so when you contact us. We will make every effort to accommodate same-day requests for patients in critical or end-of-life situations.
What to Expect
A Calm, Unhurried Signing Experience
We understand that a hospital or care facility is not a typical signing environment. We arrive prepared, introduce ourselves to staff, and follow the facility's visitor protocols. We work at the patient's pace, never rushing, and can accommodate limited mobility, assistive devices, or other physical considerations.
If the signer requires a mark or signature by another means due to physical limitations, we are familiar with Missouri's provisions for alternative signing methods and can guide families through the process.
Family members or the patient's attorney are welcome to be present. We simply ask that the environment remain calm so the signer can focus.
A Note on Mental Capacity
What We Can and Cannot Assess
A notary public is not qualified to assess a signer's legal mental capacity — that is the role of a physician or attorney. However, we are trained to observe whether a signer appears to understand the nature of the document they are signing and is acting voluntarily.
If there is any question about a patient's capacity, we recommend that their physician document their capacity in the medical record before scheduling the signing, and that an attorney be involved in preparing the documents. We will always act in the best interest of the signer.
FAQ
Common Questions
Can you come to any hospital in Missouri?
We serve the greater St. Louis metro area and surrounding counties. Contact us with the facility name and location to confirm we can reach you and to discuss timing.
Do hospitals allow notaries to visit patients?
Yes, in virtually all cases. Hospitals regularly accommodate notary visits for patients. We coordinate with nursing staff on arrival and follow all visitor guidelines, including any infection control protocols.
What if the patient can't hold a pen?
Missouri law allows for alternative methods of signing when a person is physically unable to sign in the traditional way. We can guide you through the appropriate process — please mention this when scheduling.
Can you bring witnesses?
Yes. If the document requires witnesses and the family cannot arrange them, we can coordinate independent witnesses for the signing appointment. Request this when you contact us.
How quickly can you come?
For urgent bedside situations, we prioritize scheduling and aim to arrive as quickly as possible. Please contact us directly with the details of your situation so we can give you an accurate timeline.